MTD 610 User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Model Series 610 Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-03633

(November 14, 2007)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a lawn tractor manufactured by
MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 8

Controls & Features ................................................12

Operation ................................................................16

Maintenance & Adjustment ................................ 20

1

This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing
laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning
the machine, phone your local authorized MTD service dealer
or contact us directly. MTD’s Customer Support telephone
numbers, website address and mailing address can be found on
this page. We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all
times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your
machine, for more information.

Service .................................................................... 24

Troubleshooting .................................................... 29

Replacement Parts ................................................ 30

Attachments & Accessories ...................................31

CA. Emission Control Statement .......................... 35

Warranty ................................................. Back Cover

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking

down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,

should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MOdel nuMber

serial nuMber

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

◊

Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊

Write us at MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

◊

2

Important Safe Operation Practices

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

2

General Operation

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

1.
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.

2.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this

3.
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper

4.
instruction.

To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,

5.
keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be

6.
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other
foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by
the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal
injury.

Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material

7.
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during

8.
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting

9.
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in
bare feet or sandals.

Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction

10.
and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its
proper place.

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the

11.
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate
hands and feet.

3

A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade

12.
contact or thrown object injuries.

Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or

13.
roads and while not cutting grass.

Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing

14.
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any
public roadway.

Do not operate the machine while under the influence of

15.
alcohol or drugs.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

16.

Never carry passengers.

17.

Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up

18.
slowly. Always look down and behind before and while
backing to avoid a back-over accident.

Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly.

19.
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and

20.
wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before
removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute,
removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn

21.
off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into

22.
a trailer or truck. This machine should not be driven up or
down ramp(s), because the machine could tip over, causing
serious personal injury. The machine must be pushed
manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do

23.
not touch.

Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under

24.
low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc.,
where the operator may be struck or pulled from the
machine, which could result in serious injury.

Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake

25.
pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting
to start engine.

Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of

26.
a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or
build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire
hazard.

Use only accessories and attachments approved for this

27.
machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand
and follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory or attachment.

Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are

28.
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use

29.
care and good judgment. Contact your customer service
representative for assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you
feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this
manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that
area or serious injury could result.

Do:

Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme

1.
caution when changing direction on slopes.

Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden

2.
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so

3.
that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes
are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of engine
braking action.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel

4.
weights or counterweights to improve stability.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.

5.
These can change the stability of the machine.

Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do

6.
not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid
engagement or braking could cause the front of the
machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could
cause serious injury.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,

7.
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.

Do Not:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly

1.
and gradually downhill, if possible.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The

2.
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on

3.
the ground.

Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

4.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause

5.
sliding.

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-speeding

6.
may cause the operator to lose control of the machine
resulting in serious injury or death.

Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded

7.
dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5
degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to
push the tractor and may cause you to loose control (e.g.
tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are
reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to
overturn).

4 sectiOn 2 — iMpO rtant safe OperatiOn practices

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the

1.
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand
the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.

Keep children out of the mowing area and in

a.

watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.

Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

b.

area.

Before and while backing, look behind and down for

c.

small children.

Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off.

d.

They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.

Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,

e.

doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may
block your vision of a child who may run into the
path of the machine.

To avoid back-over accidents, always disengage

f.

the cutting blade(s) before shifting into Reverse.
If equipped, the “Reverse Caution Mode” should
not be used when children or others are around.

Keep children away from hot or running engines.

g.

They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

Remove key when machine is unattended to

h.

prevent unauthorized operation.

Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this

2.
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

Towing

Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for

1.
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.

Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight

2.
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

3.

On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause

4.
loss of traction and loss of control.

Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

5.

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

6.

Service

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme

1.
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin
and change clothes immediately.

Use only an approved gasoline container.

a.

Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

b.

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.

When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

c.

from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on
a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

d.

tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

e.

sources of ignition.

Never fuel machine indoors.

f.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

g.

is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.

Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

h.

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

i.

If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

j.

equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

k.

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside

l.

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before

m.

storing.

General Service

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.

1.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,
and deadly gas.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the

2.
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

Periodically check to make sure the blades come to

3.
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after
operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades
do not stop within the this time frame, your machine
should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD
Service Dealer.

Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear

4.
during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.

5sectiOn 2 — iMpO rtant safe OperatiOn practices

5.

Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s)
for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace
the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!”

6.

Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.

7.

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

8.

Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.

10.

Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the
machine while the engine is running.

11.

Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are
subject to wear and damage which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection,
frequently check components and replace immediately
with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only,
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”

12.

Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

13.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

14.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING: This machine is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the
engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any).

If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. In the State of California the
above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws
apply on federal lands.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

Average Useful Life

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 270
hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy
a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an
authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and
safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.

WARNING: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

6 sectiOn 2 — iMpO rtant safe OperatiOn practices

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

or a fence post

Fold along dotted line (represents a 15° slope)

15°

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

WARNING: Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees

(a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding

mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

7sectiOn 2 — iMpO rtant safe OperatiOn practices

Assembly & Set-Up

Assembly & Set-Up

3

3

Tractor Set-Up

NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product
specifications for various models. Characteristics and features
discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable
to all models. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product
specifications, designs and equipment without notice and
without incurring obligation.

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE: Some models are shipped with the battery cables already
connected.

Shipping Brace Removal

WARNING: Make sure the riding mower’s engine is

off, remove the ignition key, and set the parking
brake before removing the shipping brace.

Locate the shipping brace, if present, and accompanying

•
warning tag found on the right side of the mower, between
the discharge chute and the cutting deck. See Fig. 3-2.

Figure 3-1

NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The
negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).

The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the

•
positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and hex nut at
the factory. Make certain that the rubber boot covers the
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.

Remove the hex bolt and hex nut from the negative cable.

•

Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the

•
negative battery terminal and attach the negative cable
(heavy black wire) to the negative battery terminal (–) with
the bolt and nut (or wing nut).

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the
Service section of this manual prior to operating the tractor.

Figure 3-2

While holding the discharge chute with your left hand,

•
remove the shipping brace with your right hand by
grasping it between your thumb and index finger and
rotating it clockwise.

WARNING: The shipping brace, used for packaging

purposes only, must be removed and discarded
before operating your riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of

throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding
mower without the discharge cover in the proper
operating position could result in serious personal
injury and/or property damage.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the
hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering
wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the
steering wheel cap and remove the hardware.

With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward,

1.
place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.

Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over the

2.
steering shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See Fig. 3-3.

Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the steering

3.
wheel and push downward until it “clicks” into place.

8

8

Figure 3-3

Attaching the Hood Scoop (If so equipped)

If the hood scoop was not secured to the hood of your tractor
at the factory, you will find it in a plastic bag, hanging from the
throttle lever.

To install:

Carefully pivot the tractor hood forward.

1.

Remove the four screws from the underside of the hood

2.
scoop.

Line up the four holes in the hood scoop with the four

3.
holes visible through the tractor’s hood louvres. See Fig.
3-4.

While holding the scoop in place, use a 3/8” socket wrench

4.
(or box wrench) to carefully tighten the scoop onto the
hood.

Do NOT overtighten.

Attaching The Seat

Seat styles vary by tractor model and there are three different
styles available:

Standard Adjustment

•

Quick Adjustment

•

Knob Adjustment

•

If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, refer
to Fig. 3-5, Fig. 3-6, and Fig. 3-7 to identify your tractor’s seat
style and follow the applicable instructions below to attach it.

NOTE: For shipping reasons, seats are either fastened to the
tractor seat’s pivot bracket with a plastic tie, or mounted
backward to the pivot bracket. In either case, free the seat
from its shipping position and remove the two hex screws (or
knobs, on models so equipped) from the bottom of seat before
proceeding with applicable instructions below.

Standard Adjustment Seat

Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of the seat)

1.
inside the slot openings in the seat pivot bracket. Fig. 3-5.

Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot bracket,

2.
lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket with the
remaining two holes in the seat’s base.

Select desired position for the seat, and secure with the

3.
two hex screws removed earlier. See Fig. 3-5.

To adjust the position of the seat, loosen the two hex

4.
screws on the bottom of the seat. Slide the seat forward or
backward as desired. Retighten the two screws.

Figure 3-4

Figure 3-5

Knob Adjustment Seat

Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of the

1.
seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot bracket. Fig.
3-6.

Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot bracket,

2.
lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket with the
remaining two holes in the seat’s base.

9sectiOn 2 — asseMb ly & set-up 9sectiOn 2 — asseMb ly & set-up

Select desired position for the seat, and secure with the

3.
two knobs removed earlier. See Fig. 3-6.

To adjust the position of the seat on models so equipped,

4.
loosen the two knobs on the bottom of the seat. Slide the seat
forward or backward as desired. Retighten the two knobs.

To adjust the position of the seat on models equipped with

4.
a seat adjustment lever, move the seat adjustment lever
(located under the seat) to the left and slide the seat forward
or rearward. See Fig. 3-8. Make sure seat is locked into

Figure 3-6

Quick Adjustment Seat

NOTE: If your seat was shipped mounted backwards on the seat
pivot bracket, pull out the tab found on the seat stop and hold it
open while sliding the seat off the seat pivot bracket.

Line the plastic seat spacers with the seat pivot bracket slots.

1.

Slide seat in until front seat spacer engages the seat stop.

2.
See Fig. 3-7.

WARNING: Before operating this machine, make

sure the seat is engaged in the seat stop, stand
behind the machine and pull back on seat until fully
engaged into stop.

Figure 3-8

position before operating the tractor.

Mulch Plug

On tractor models so equipped, a mulch plug can be found
within the cutting deck’s discharge opening.

NOTE: Refer to Mulching in the “Operating Your Lawn Tractor”
section of this manual for more detailed information.

If you’d prefer to operate the cutting deck without mulching,
simply remove the mulch plug by unthreading the plastic
wing nut which fastens it to the cutting deck. This will allow
the clippings to discharge out of the discharge opening during
operation. See Fig. 3-9.

Figure 3-7

10 sectiOn 2— asseMbly & set-up10 sectiOn 2— asseMbly & set-up

Figure 3-9

Tire Pressure

WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under any

circumstances is 30 psi. Equal tire pressure should be
maintained at all times.

The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating the tractor.
Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 p.s.i
for the rear tires & 14 p.s.i. for the front tires. Check sidewall of
tire for maximum p.s.i.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has a capacity
of 1-1/2 gallons or 2 gallons based on your model of tractor. Do
not overfill.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or
while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your
tractor. Read instructions carefully.

IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine.
However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Be
careful not to overfill.

Pull the hydrostatic bypass rod outward, then down and to

2.
the left, to lock it in place.

NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the hydrostatic
bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to its normal position
prior to operating the tractor.

IMPORTANT: Never attempt to move the tractor manually

without first engaging the hydrostatic relief valve. Doing so will
result in serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.

Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels

Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably
pavement, and proceed as follows

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing

1.
the deck lift lever in the normally desired mowing height
setting (any of the six different cutting height notches on
the right fender).

Check the gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance

2.
with the surface below. The deck gauge wheels should
have between ¼-inch and ½-inch clearance above the
ground as follows:

If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance or contact with the
surface, adjust as follows:

Raise the deck lift handle to its highest setting.

a.

Remove the gauge wheels by removing the lock

b.

nuts and shoulder screws which secure them to the
deck. See Fig. 3-11.

Moving The Tractor Manually

Your tractor’s transmission is equipped with a hydrostatic relief
valve for occasions when it is necessary to move the tractor
manually. Activating this valve forces the fluid in the transmission
to bypass its normal route, allowing the rear tires to “freewheel.”

To engage the hydrostatic relief valve, proceed as follows:

Locate the hydrostatic bypass rod in the rear of the tractor.

1.
See Fig. 3-10.

Figure 3-10

Figure 3-11

Place the deck lift lever in the desired mowing

c.

height setting.

Reinsert the shoulder screw (with each gauge

d.

wheel) into the index hole that leaves approximately
½-inch between the bottom of the wheel and the
pavement.

Refer to Leveling the Deck in the Maintenance section of this
manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.

11secti On 2 — asseMbly & set-up 11secti On 2 — asseMbly & set-up

Controls and Features

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

4

Parking Brake

Cruise Control

Cup Holder

Ammeter

Ignition Switch

Module

Seat Adjustment

Lever (if equipped)

Hydrostatic Drive

Pedal

Throttle/Choke Lever

Deck Lift Lever

Figure 4-1

Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 4-1 and described on the following pages.

WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the entire Operation section,

before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with all safety rules and instructions may result in personal
injury.

12